James Michael Curley

Curley, James Michael, 1874–1958, American political leader, b. Boston. He held many municipal offices, served (1902–3) in the Massachusetts legislature, and became a power in the Democratic party of Boston before he served (1911–14) in the U.S. House of Representatives. Curley—whose colorful personality and shrewd political manipulations steadily increased his popularity—served three terms as mayor of Boston (1914–18, 1922–26, 1930–34) before he was governor of Massachusetts (1935–37) and again U.S. Congressman (1943–46). After Curley was once more elected (1945) mayor of Boston, he was convicted (1946–47) of mail fraud. He served (1947) five months in prison before his sentence was commuted by President Truman. After he fulfilled his duties as mayor (1947–50) and was defeated (1949) for reelection to that post, Curley was given (1950) a full pardon by Truman.